天干

n Chinese metaphysics, Bazi (Eight Characters) is built upon the interaction of the 10 Heavenly Stems and the 12 Earthly Branches. Think of the Stems as the "heavenly" energy or intentions, and the Branches as the "earthly" manifestation or the roots. Here is the breakdown of both sets in Chinese, Pinyin, and their elemental associations. The 10 Heavenly Stems (天干 - Tiāngān) These represent the five elements, each divided into Yin and Yang polarities. No. Chinese Pinyin Element Polarity 1 甲 Jiǎ Wood Yang 2 乙 Yǐ Wood Yin 3 丙 Bǐng Fire Yang 4 丁 Dīng Fire Yin 5 戊 Wù Earth Yang 6 己 Jǐ Earth Yin 7 庚 Gēng Metal Yang 8 辛 Xīn Metal Yin 9 壬 Rén Water Yang 10 癸 Guǐ Water Yin The 12 Earthly Branches (地支 - Dìzhī) These are most commonly known as the Zodiac Animals. They also correspond to specific months, seasons, and hours of the day. No. Chinese Pinyin Zodiac Animal Element 1 子 Zǐ Rat Water (Yang) 2 丑 Chǒu Ox Earth (Yin) 3 寅 Yín Tiger Wood (Yang) 4 卯 Mǎo Rabbit Wood (Yin) 5 辰 Chén Dragon Earth (Yang) 6 巳 Sì Snake Fire (Yin) 7 午 Wǔ Horse Fire (Yang) 8 未 Wèi Goat Earth (Yin) 9 申 Shēn Monkey Metal (Yang) 10 酉 Yǒu Rooster Metal (Yin) 11 戌 Xū Dog Earth (Yang) 12 亥 Hài Pig Water (Yin) Quick Tip for Beginners While we usually translate these as "Yang" or "Yin," the Earthly Branches actually contain Hidden Stems. For example, even though the Rat (子) is considered Yang in position, its main energy (Hidden Stem) is actually Yin Water (癸). Bazi can get deep pretty fast! Would you like me to explain how your specific birth year connects a Stem and a Branch to form your "Pillar"?